03-27-20 PUSD Message

I want to give you an update on PUSD’s response to the Coronavirus public health emergency as we all honor the “safer at home” public health orders. PUSD is committed to providing the vital services that our students and community rely on for as long as this crisis continues and in often rapidly changing conditions.

Schools have been closed for two weeks now, with a probable return date of May 5. Until that time, all non-essential personnel must honor the “Safer at Home” public health orders. No one is allowed on school sites except for maintenance and operations, custodial staff, and essential personnel as identified by the District during designated times. We will reopen schools based on recommendations from Public Health authorities to make sure that it is safe for students, staff, and families. All sites will have undergone deep cleaning before students and staff return to class.

With broad community transmission of COVID-19, on March 25, the L.A. County Department of Public Health issued new public health orders for individuals diagnosed or likely to have COVID-19. To keep our community safe, we must all do our part by staying safer at home.

Stage 2 Remote LearningAfter spring break, our District will move to Stage 2 of remote learning from April 6 - 20. In this phase, teacher-provided content intended for ongoing use will be available via PowerSchool Learning at gopusd.com/remote. We’re modifying content to make sure it’s achievable by our students given the new remote environment. During this time, teachers will be connecting with students via posted video, discussion and/or assignments in their online classrooms. Students will connect with their teacher’s online classroom to view and complete assigned material.

To support students and families, PUSD is pushing out a translation extension on our Chromebooks. This will allow words and webpages on PowerSchool Learning to be translated into Spanish and other languages as well. Watch this video to see how it works

Visual arts and music learning activities are loaded to PowerSchool for elementary students. These include lessons for individual instruments for band and orchestra. Videos by our partners at the Pasadena Symphony and Oakwood Brass are being developed for practicing each instrument. These will be posted soon.

GATE Enrichment activities and resources have been added for grades Kindergarten-eighth grade and can be accessed directly by students and parents on their Powerschool student account.

2020-2021 Open Enrollment UpdateResults of the second lottery of Open Enrollment for 2020-2021 were released today. Parents will need to accept or decline offers by May 1, 2020. Registration will occur once we have more information about reopening school sites. As spots become available, students currently on the waitlist for a school will be automatically advanced based upon their waitlist number. Staff in the Enrollment Office is working remotely but is available to answer your questions or concerns. The best way to reach them is by using the email addresses on the website. Phone messages will be checked each hour and phone calls will be returned as soon as possible.

Activities During Spring BreakFor spring break, March 30 through April 3, we have developed virtual field trips with global and STEM themes. I encourage you to take time to explore and learn more about the world around us -- virtually. PUSD Virtual field trips are posted on our website.

Technology ResourcesThanks to our 1:1 Tech Equity initiative launched in 2018, we were able to quickly provide devices to students at all grade levels. While we were able to meet the needs of most students, we are working to ensure that every student is able to connect to distance learning.

In the meantime, if you have a PUSD wifi hotspot that you are not using, we ask that you please return it so that we can assign it to a student who does need it.

Charter Communications will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. Please be patient during the signup process as I understand the demand is very high. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395 Details

Meals Now 7 Days a WeekMeals are now available seven days a week for students. PUSD continues to provide nutritious “Grab and Go” meals for children 18 and younger at seven schools weekdays from 9-11 a.m. I’m pleased to share that we will continue this service during the upcoming spring break and until schools reopen. The City of Pasadena is offering lunch to students and families on weekends from 9-11 a.m. at the same sites. School locations

Thanks to Our Community PartnersPUSD is working with community partners to help families access essential services such as food, shelter, mental health support, and more. I want to especially thank the Pasadena Educational Foundation, Collaborate PASadena, STARS, and PACTL for supporting our students and families.

During challenging times, we see just how much stronger we are together. I am proud to be a part of the Pasadena area community that cares so deeply about one another.

Mental Health SupportI know how stressful this situation is for our students, parents, staff and community. I want to talk directly to the students of PUSD:

I know that this time is not easy for you, and that you’re probably missing the face-to-face time and activities with your friends and teachers at school. Schools are the places where we connect with learning and with each other. I want you to know that even though you can’t see your teachers or fellow students in person, we’ve set up ways to support you. Everyone here at PUSD is here to help you and continue to prepare you for the future.

We have help with mental health resources through PUSD’s extensive mental health programs.

For support, call our PUSD Family Hotline at (626) 396-3680. It will connect students with professionals who will link them to the appropriate services and support.

Please check our website at pusd.us for updates and new information as changes happen very quickly.

From classroom teachers and school site staff to central office employees, we’re all working hard to support our students and their families. All of us working together will get through this as we unite to keep our community healthy and safe.